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Cyberbullying

Key takeaways

Cyberbullying uses digital technology to harass, threaten or embarrass someone.
To protect your child, use parental controls, adjust privacy settings and discuss online safety.
If cyberbullying happens, you can help your child block the person, keep evidence and report it.
Services like Kids Helpline and Headspace can help support you and your child.

a child with a smartphone and then there is a images of text messages alluding to cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is when a person uses digital technology to bully someone. This can include harassing, threatening or embarrassing them.

Cyberbullying can happen on technology, including:

text messages
emails
online games
communication platforms like Discord
social media platforms like TikTok or Snapchat.

All types of bullying can affect a child’s confidence and self-esteem. It can also make them feel lonely and less interested in school. You can support your child by understanding how bullying can happen with technology.

Kids Helpline has helpful information, including:

what cyberbullying can look like
signs your child may be experiencing cyberbullying
ways you can support your child

Kid's Helpline

Protecting your child

Simple online safety practices can help protect your child from cyberbullying. Staying safe online means being aware of online risks and taking steps to protect your personal information.

Online safety can include:

setting up parental controls on your child’s device
changing privacy settings to limit who can contact your child
understanding cyberbullying and how to respond to it
having regular conversations with your child about online safety

The Australian Government’s eSafety website has more information about online safety, including:

how to keep your kids safe online
how children and teens can protect themselves
how to report online abuse

girl looking sad while staring at her mobile phone

Responding to cyberbullying

If your child is experiencing cyberbullying, you don’t need to handle it alone. The Raising Children Network recommends these steps:

Block or delete the person doing the cyberbullying.
Keep evidence, such as screenshots or messages.
Remind your child to tell someone (a trusted adult, parent, teacher) if they are being bullied.
Report the bullying (see information below).

Ways to report cyberbullying

Talk to the school

If the cyberbullying involves your child’s school, you can ask your child's teacher or school principal for help.
Report it on the platform where it happened

You can report cyberbullying directly on the website, app or game where it happened. The eSafety Guide explains how to report online abuse on various sites, apps and games.

Report it to the eSafety Commission

You can report cyberbullying to the eSafety Commission. They investigate cyberbullying, image-based abuse (sharing images without consent), and illegal or restricted content.
Contact the police if needed

You can report serious abuse to the police. If your child is in immediate danger, call 000.

Support is available

Cyberbullying can make people feel sad, angry, embarrassed, hurt, worried, afraid or stressed. These feelings may be felt for a long or short time. Lots of support is available for anyone who is experiencing or has experienced cyberbullying.

Children often feel better when they talk with a trusted parent, carer or teacher. They can also get support from trained counsellors:

Kids Helpline

Kids Helpline is a free service for 5 to 25 year olds. Call 1800 55 1800 or use the online chat.
headspace

headspace is a free service for 12 to 25 year olds. Call 1800 650 890 or create an online headspace account.
Mental health treatment plan

A mental health treatment plan can help you access professional mental health support. Contact your GP to talk about options.